azithromycin 250/500 mg – oral, Zithromax
Azithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections. It is a macrolide-type antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria. This medication does not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Misuse of antibiotics can decrease their effectiveness. Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting azithromycin. Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. Continue taking it until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication early can cause the infection to return. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin. If you take an antacid with aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin. Contact your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects of azithromycin may include stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Serious side effects such as changes in hearing or vision, difficulty speaking/swallowing, muscle weakness, and signs of liver problems should be reported to your doctor immediately. Rare but serious side effects include fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, and a severe intestinal condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Prolonged use of azithromycin may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Allergic reactions to this drug are rare but can be serious. If you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects not listed here.
Before taking azithromycin, inform your doctor about any allergies you have or if you are allergic to other antibiotics. Discuss your medical history, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a muscle disease called myasthenia gravis. Azithromycin can affect the heart rhythm, so inform your doctor about any heart problems or if you are taking other drugs that may prolong the QT interval. Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. Talk to your doctor if you are using diuretics or have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of azithromycin.
During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed. It may pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Azithromycin may interact with other drugs, causing changes in how they work or increasing the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor’s approval. This medication should not be shared with others. Do not use it later for another infection unless directed by your doctor. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain. Properly discard expired or unused medication.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
If you experience negative side effects from prescription drugs, report them to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not a comprehensive guide and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or discontinuing any treatment.
This database is not for distribution without authorization from First Databank, Inc.
The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not a comprehensive guide and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or discontinuing any treatment.
